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SAMBUCUS
Commonly known as Common elder
Mainly ornamental but can be planted to support native butterfly and bird species.
Native elder, S. nigra has been used medicinally throughout history and is well-known as various syrups and drinks. A small tree of disturbed ground especially around farmsteads and old cottages where it thrives in nitrogen-rich soil.
A perennial, S. ebulus, Danewort, and probably native can be found scattered throughout the UK on roadsides and waste places.
Genus of about 10 species of herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs and trees from woodlands and thickets in temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia, N and tropical E. Africa, Australia and North and South America.
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DeciduousAcer-like foliage turning red in autumn
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White -
Height2.5m (8ft) -
Spread1.5m (5ft)
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Tall ShrubGraceful shrub. Produces flat corymbs of flowers.
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Hardy - very cold winterHardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) -
Full sun -
Partial shade
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Additional Features
Good to knowTolerates hard pruning. Mulch in spring
Pests & DiseasesBlack fly infest young shoots and foliage, Verticillium wilt
Place of originGarden origin. Hyfryd plants, Newport, Wales -
Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windswept
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HardinessFully hardy
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Pruning group
Pruning group 4Suitable for: Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on current year's growth or are grown for winter stem effect.
Pruning: Hard prune to a low permanent framework.
When: Annually in early Spring.
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Scented PlantsScented flowersHoney-scented
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Seasonal InterestSpringSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Toxic - Category C
Harmful if eaten(People & Pets) fruit/flowers safe for people if cooked -
Wildlife
Bee friendly
Bird friendlyButterfly friendlyRabbit Resistant
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2.5m (8ft)
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1.5m (5ft) |
Buy Varieties of SAMBUCUS
SAMBUCUS nigra
cream coloured fragrant flowers and black fruits
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'
golden-yellow leaves
Gift-wrapping available
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'
dramatic dark purple foliage which appears almost black from a distance. Creamy pink buds and flowers are followed by blackish red berries
Gift-wrapping available
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'
dramatic dark purple, nearly-black foliage and dissected leaves like a Japanese maple.
Gift-wrapping available
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'
deeply cut bright golden leaves. Upright and narrow habit
Gift-wrapping available
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'
deep blackish purple leaves turning red in autumn, pink-tinged flowers
Gift-wrapping available
SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'
the best golden form with fine cut foliage
Gift-wrapping available
Useful extras...
